“What people usually say when they criticise other people's lives without knowing anything of their temptations and sufferings. But I want to tell you about my scheme. I have bought Blue Mantle, the winner of the Czarewitch, and only beaten by a length for the Cambridgeshire, a three-year-old, with eight stone on his back; a most unlucky horse--if he had been in the Leger or Derby he would have won one or both. He broke down when he was four years old. By King Tom out of Merry Agnes, by Newminster out of Molly Bawn.” “I didn't know you knew so much about racing.” “I know more than you think. I don't let out all I know.” “And how much did you pay for Blue Mantle?” “Dirt cheap. I can imagine myself two years hence, when my first batch of yearlings is put up for sale--500, 650, 800, 1000, knocked down for 1000 guineas, brown colt by Blue Mantle out of Wild Rose, bred by William Brookes, Esq.” “I don't think money will come in quite so fast as that.” “Perhaps not; but can't you let a fellow enjoy himself? I never knew any one like you for throwing cold water. I believe you are jealous.” “What nonsense!” “Well, never mind. I shall be the deuce of a dog, see if I shan't. I always like to kill two birds with one stone if I can, and my business will bring me into connection with the very best in the land. Unfortunately! my people don't care about getting on; now I do. I like to know people who are better than myself--at all events, who are no worse. I shouldn't be surprised if I were dining at Goodwood and Arundel before long. When I go up to town I shall be calling on Lady This and Lady That, and later on I might get in somewhere in the Conservative interest.” “How long you may know a man, and then find you are mistaken in his character,” thought Frank. “So vanity is at the bottom of all these efforts to make money.” “When are you coming to the Manor House?” “Impossible. You know I can't go there so long as your father--” “Come in one afternoon; he'll ask you to stay to dinner. He has forgotten all about it.” “I cannot come to the Manor House until my engagement to your sister is sanctioned by him.” “The way to get that is to come to the Manor House and talk him into it. For my part, I think, even from his point of view, that it would be better that he should recognise the engagement; nothing can be more damaging than these clandestine meetings.” “What can I do? I will not give her up.” “I never interfere. I have quite enough worries of my own. I must be getting home. It is very late. Good-bye.”